Washington Nationals Free Agency Wishlist

The Nationals have not been major players in Free Agency the past few offseasons, but following a 16 game improvement from their 2022 campaign, could we see the team jumpstart their efforts to be a playoff team?

World Series - Houston Astros v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Three
World Series - Houston Astros v Philadelphia Phillies - Game Three | Sarah Stier/GettyImages
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Matt Chapman

Matt Chapman
Wild Card Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins - Game Two | David Berding/GettyImages

2023 Stats: .240/.330/.424, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 108 OPS+

If you know Matt Chapman at all, you know his value is not on the offensive side of the ball. Chapman is arguably the best defensive third baseman in baseball and one of the best defenders in all of baseball at any position. And that isn't to say he is terrible offensively either.

Like Hoskins, Chapman does not hit for average but still has some power in his arsenal. What you will get with Chapman is an average to slightly above average hitter with the ability to make up runs in the form of runs saved due to his premier defense. Adding a guy like Chapman to the left side of the infield will do wonders for the Nationals, especially for a guy like CJ Abrams who would be playing next to Chapman.

The Nationals hit a home run with Jeimer Candelario last offseason and I don't discount the possibility of a reunion, but I think the Nationals are very high on Brady House as their future third baseman and Chapman offers more of a bridge to House as you can likely get him for two years as opposed to the three or four it might take to sign Candelario.

I think the Nationals could get Chapman for a two year, $35M deal.

Projected AAV per Spotrac: $17.2M

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